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Phonemic awareness means children learn to hear, recognize, and work with the small sounds in spoken words. This is one of the first skills children need before learning to read. Teachers can use picture cards to play sound-matching games, like finding two pictures that begin with the same sound (like “dog” and “door” for /d/). They can also lead a tapping game where children tap their fingers for each sound in a word (like /s/ /u/ /n/). For children who need extra help, teachers can slow down and use hand motions or sound buttons. At home, families can play a game in the car or on a walk by naming something they see and asking, “What sound does that start with?” For example: “Tree—what sound do you hear first?”

📎 Website: https://www.starfall.com/h/abcs/

Starfall uses pictures, songs, and games to help children hear and practice letter sounds in a fun way.

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Phonics helps children learn how letters and letter groups match the sounds in spoken words. This is what helps them sound out and read new words. Teachers can use trays or pocket charts with small objects (like apple, ball, cup) and have children match them to the beginning letter. They can also use magnetic letters or letter tiles to build simple words like “cat” or “hop.” To support different needs, teachers can use large textured letters, sound cards, or small-group work. At home, families can find foods in the kitchen that start with the same sound (like “banana,” “butter,” “bread”) and place them on the table together as a “sound snack.” While shopping or on a walk, children can also look for letters on signs and say the sounds.
📎 Website: https://www.teachyourmonstertoread.com/
This website turns phonics into a game where kids build skills step-by-step while playing.

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Vocabulary means knowing and using words. A strong vocabulary helps children understand what they read and communicate their thoughts clearly. Teachers can pause during read-alouds to introduce new words, show a picture, and explain the meaning (like “gigantic” in a story about animals). They can also do a describing game where children guess an item from clues (e.g., “I’m thinking of something that’s round, red, and grows on trees”—apple). For children with speech or language needs, teachers can use real items, photos, or role play. At home, families can talk about new words while cooking together—for example, naming tools and ingredients: “This is a whisk. We use it to mix things fast.” On nature walks, families can describe what they see: “That squirrel is climbing. Climbing means going up.”
📎 Website: https://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/vocabulary
Reading Rockets offers real tips and games to help children learn and use new words at home.

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Fluency means reading with the right speed, voice, and tone so the words make sense and sound smooth. Teachers can support fluency by reading poems, short scripts, or sentence strips out loud with the class. One helpful game is “echo reading,” where the teacher reads a line with expression and the class repeats it. Teachers can also let children record their voices reading a favorite story. Students who need extra support can practice reading familiar stories with a partner. At home, families can take turns reading signs and billboards while driving or walking—practicing short sentences like, “Stop,” “No Parking,” or “Exit.” Another idea is to act out a bedtime book together, with each person reading a different part using fun voices.
📎 Website: https://www.storylineonline.net/
Storyline Online shows professional actors reading books with great fluency and expression.

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Comprehension means understanding and remembering what we read. It helps children retell stories, answer questions, and make connections. Teachers can use retell bags with small props to help children talk about what happened in the story first, next, and last. They can also ask questions like, “What would you do if you were the character?” or “Why do you think she was sad?” For children who need support, teachers can offer pictures, sentence starters, or yes/no questions. At home, families can draw pictures of their favorite part of a story and talk about it. They can also make up a new ending to the book together. During errands or quiet time, families can ask, “What happened in the story we read earlier?” or “Can you tell Grandma the story we read today?”
📎 Website: https://pbskids.org/games/reading/
PBS Kids has reading games that help children think about what happened in a story and why.